M60 Bus Schedule And Stops: Your Route Guide

Navigating public transit to and from LaGuardia Airport doesn't have to drain your wallet or your patience. The M60 bus—officially operating as the M60 Select Bus Service (SBS)—connects Manhattan’s Upper West Side directly with all active terminals at LaGuardia Airport via Harlem and Queens. It cuts past heavy traffic bottlenecks, hooks up with major subway lines, and runs around the clock. If you don't know how ticketing works before you board, you'll run into delays or face fines.

The primary search intent for this route centers on understanding precise stop sequences, mastering pre-boarding fare collection, and timing arrivals so you never miss a flight or a connection. This guide breaks down the route mechanics, ticketing rules, terminal sequencing, and common mistakes that catch first-time riders off guard.

Understanding the M60 Select Bus Service Route

The M60-SBS runs a continuous loop between the Upper West Side of Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport in Queens. Unlike standard local buses, it operates as Select Bus Service, meaning it features limited stops and distinct boarding rules designed to speed up transit times.

The western terminal sits at Broadway and West 106th Street in Manhattan, right near Morningside Heights and Columbia University. From there, the bus winds north up Broadway, cuts across West 125th Street through Harlem, crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly Triborough Bridge), and heads through Astoria before arriving at LaGuardia Airport.

The route serves terminals B and C, along with Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), via airport shuttle connections or direct drop-offs depending on current airport traffic patterns. Because it connects multiple subway lines along 125th Street and Broadway, commuters and travelers use it as a reliable bridge between upper Manhattan and Queens.

Key Stops Along the Way

Knowing your stop sequence keeps you from missing your transfer or riding past your terminal. The route features roughly 20 key stops depending on the direction of travel.

Westbound Direction (LaGuardia to Manhattan)

1. LaGuardia Airport Terminals: Serves Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal).
2. Queens & Astoria Stops: Key transfers include Hoyt Avenue South and 31st Street (connecting to the Astoria line).
3. Harlem 125th Street Corridor: Stops at 2nd Avenue, Lexington Avenue (Metro-North connection), Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Frederick Douglass Boulevard.
4. Upper West Side Terminus: Moves down Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway, ending at West 106th Street.

Eastbound Direction (Manhattan to LaGuardia)

1. Manhattan Origin: Starts at Broadway and West 106th Street, heading up to West 120th and across 125th Street.
2. Harlem Transit Hubs: Stops at Saint Nicholas Avenue, Malcolm X Boulevard, Madison Avenue, Lexington Avenue, and 2nd Avenue.
3. Queens Cross-Over: Crosses the RFK Bridge directly to Hoyt Avenue South and 31st Street.
4. Airport Drop-Offs: Navigates Astoria Boulevard, 23rd Avenue, 94th Street, and stops at Terminal C and Terminal B.

For official updates on service changes or elevator outages at connecting stations, check the MTA Homepage.

How Pre-Boarding Fare Collection Works

The biggest mistake riders make on the M60 is trying to swipe a MetroCard or tap a phone next to the driver when boarding. You can't do that. Select Bus Service relies on off-board fare collection to speed up passenger loading.

Before the bus arrives, you must pay your fare at the sidewalk ticket machine located at the bus stop shelter.

• Tap your contactless credit card, smartphone wallet, or OMNY card, or insert a valid MetroCard into the terminal machine.
• The machine prints out a paper receipt ticket.
• Grab this ticket and keep it in your hand. You do not need to show it to the driver; simply board through any of the bus doors.
• Keep the ticket with you for the duration of the trip. Transit inspectors occasionally board mid-route to check for valid proof of payment, and failing to produce a ticket results in steep fines.

If you are transferring from a subway station using a MetroCard or OMNY, make sure your transfer is valid so you aren't charged a second fare. You can read more about fare rules and digital payment integration directly through OMNY Info.

Connecting with Subways and Trains

One reason the M60 remains popular is its heavy integration with the New York City Subway network. You can drop off or pick up the bus right outside stations that connect to major lines.

• Broadway / 106th St & 116th St: Close access to the 1 train.
• 125th St & Saint Nicholas Ave: Direct access to the A, B, C, and D trains.
• 125th St & Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave): Direct access to the 2 and 3 trains.
• 125th St & Lexington Ave: Direct access to the 4, 5, and 6 trains, plus the Metro-North Railroad Harlem-125th Street station.

When tracking your commute, third-party apps like the Transit App provide live countdown clocks so you don't waste time waiting unprotected on the street.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Travelers often stumble when rushing to catch a flight. Keep these practical pitfalls in mind:

• Boarding through the front only: Remember that SBS rules allow you to board through any door once you have your sidewalk ticket. Queuing up exclusively at the front door wastes valuable time.
• Ignoring luggage space: The M60 gets crowded during peak commuting hours and holiday travel rushes. Keep your bags close to you and out of the center aisle to maintain clear pathways for boarding passengers.
• Forgetting airport terminal differences: LaGuardia features multiple terminal loops. Make sure you check whether your airline departs from Terminal B, C, or A before stepping off the bus, as walking between terminals takes time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the M60 bus cost?

The fare matches standard MTA single-ride subway and bus fares. You can pay using OMNY contactless payment or a MetroCard at the sidewalk kiosk before boarding.

Does the M60 run 24 hours a day?

Yes, the M60-SBS operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, though frequencies drop during late-night hours, typically shifting to every 20 to 30 minutes between midnight and early morning.

How long does the full trip take?

A complete end-to-end trip between Manhattan's Upper West Side and LaGuardia Airport takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes, heavily depending on traffic conditions along 125th Street and the RFK Bridge.

Can I use a regular MetroCard to pay for multiple people?

Yes, value-based MetroCards can be inserted into the sidewalk ticket machine multiple times (up to four times) to print individual paper receipts for a group traveling together.

Where is the exact bus stop at LaGuardia Airport?

The bus stops directly outside the arrivals/ground transportation zones of Terminal B and Terminal C. If you are heading to Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), check current airport shuttle connections or route adjustments at the curb.